Last Updated on Friday, 5 June, 2020 at 11:13 am by Andre Camilleri
Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg participated in a digital meeting with his European counterparts during a Council for Transport Minister about the digital and sustainable recovery of the transport sector. European Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean also participated in this meeting.
On behalf of Malta, Minister Borg stressed that the situation of the sector in light of the COVID-19 pandemic would have been much worse had Mobility Package I been implemented, and emphasised that Europe should, therefore, reflect about how such restrictions will not strengthen the sector, but rather weaken its capacity to respond to such situations. Shortly before the pandemic, the Minister had visited Brussels together with a number of Transport Ministers from other countries in the periphery of Europe to fight for fairer conditions for local road haulage operators.
Malta maintained a position in favour of the measures taken so far in the maritime and aviation sectors and encouraged more protective measures for seafarers and aircrews and towards the efficient operation of the shipping sector, workers and sectors which are essential to our country. Minister Borg argued in favour of more investment in the sustainability and efficiency of these sectors. He also stressed the importance of digitalisation today more than ever and said that this period of recovery is the opportune moment to make giant leaps in this regard.
“This experience can teach all of us about how essential the transport sector is. Countries like Malta are dependent on the transport of merchandise and persons from one country to another and our industries need this to be done efficiently and sustainably. There is currently a lot of movement around the world as countries, including Malta, are cautiously relaxing a number of measures taken to control the spread. We will continue working to witness positive movement for the transport sector too,” said Minister Ian Borg.
